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As the manager of a network, you would know that Internet traffic can have a detrimental affect on available bandwidth. You would have realised, for example, that MP3 and Mpeg files can significantly tie-up resources and cause users to come to you for solutions. Some of the issues that impact upon available bandwidth can be managed in the classroom, some can be managed at a whole of school level and some issues simply require a technical solution.
If steps have been taken to implement better classroom management practices and the school leadership team has implemented policies for all network users, there might be a case for implementing some technology strategies. The following points provide suggestions to assist in managing your network. These points focus on strategies that need technical ability or support to implement.
Problem
Are students using the Internet excessively or inappropriately?
Solution
Monitor Internet use at the location. This can be done by viewing MIS statistics or by contacting the local system technician. If you notice that the network speed is dropping, Internet use can be a common cause.
Problem
If excessive student usage is verified...
Solution
Use student accounts to monitor which students are using the network connection excessively. These statistics can be used to distribute warnings and revocations about the usage if inappropriate.You could also use quota-management, where students are warned after 50MB of downloads. Their Internet use could be revoked after 100MB of downloads, for example. Quota management can be enabled in MIS or by using a proxy server or some third-party applications. If this strategy is used, ensure the limit suits students' learning needs. For example, Virtual Schooling Service students may need higher access than other students. Also, ensure teachers are informed of the limit so they can request an increase for their students if they participate in online learning projects, courses and research.
It is also worth considering that some websites refresh their content on a regular basis, such as eBay and the Bureau of Meteorology. Some people can make a habit of leaving windows open with these pages. Network managers can consider blocking these sites or educating users to ensure they understand the impact of these pages on the network.
Problem
Are students or staff using email excessively and/or inappropriately?
Solution
Monitor email use at the location. This can be done by generating a report through MIS that details the number of emails sent to and by users, for any user account. If you notice the network speed is dropping, excessive email usage is a common cause.
Problem
If excessive email usage is verified
Solution
Use student accounts to monitor which students or staff members are using the email service excessively. These statistics can be used to issue warnings and revocations.Inform users of the bandwidth overhead caused by sending full documents, pictures, attachments and so on. These excesses can be overcome by sending links to locations and not actual data.
Problem
Are you getting the bandwidth you are expecting?
Solution
If not, there is a chance a network bottleneck exists. The bottleneck arises due to insufficient speeds on networking equipment, for example running fibre leads through a 10/100Mbps switch. Use the 3COM network manager to verify that a bottleneck exists.
Problem
If a bottleneck is verified and located
Solution
Examine options to alleviate the problem. This may include replacing hardware (such as switches and routers) or providing extra hardware (involving such processes as load balancing).Contact your education district 's system technician or your school LAN project team to enquire about hardware replacements.
Problem
Is there a need for a proxy server?
Solution
Examine the Internet traffic flow on the local network to determine whether or not a proxy server could be beneficial to the location. The most common ratio for proxy servers serving webpages is 40 per cent, compared to 60 per cent from the Internet. In this way, the proxy can minimise the amount of traffic travelling to and from the Internet.
Problem
What type of proxy server could we use?
Solution
If you have identified a need for a proxy server, investigate possible solutions. Two common examples of proxy servers are the open source SQUID proxy, and Microsoft 's Internet security and acceleration server.Seek advice from your education district 's system technician regarding the installation of a proxy server solution.
Problem
Can the proxy be used to regulate bandwidth use?
Solution
Investigate ways the proxy server can be used to provide quota management, port and address blocking, and user management.Ensure access to dynamic educational sites, such as The Learning Place, is not impeded by the proxy server. In general, proxy servers do not cache dynamic content. However, you should ensure this is the case.
Problem
Are file-sharing applications in use?
Solution
Monitor network site use and user machines to verify whether or not file-sharing software such as Kazaa, grokster and mIRC are in use. Also, look out for sites such as packetnews.com, ircspy.com, bitme.org. Try to keep abreast of what search engine sites are used for file sharing. These sites bring viruses and pop-ups, which are not wanted on the network.Some proxy servers such as Microsoft ISA offer application-level firewall functionality. If you have a proxy server, you could investigate ways to use its firewall function.
Problem
If file-sharing applications are located
Solution
Delete all instances of the software on all machines. Try to identify which user or users installed the applications and take necessary action. Implement measures to ensure users cannot install such applications in future. Do this by using the Education Queensland school build (SOE).
Problem
Are students or staff using instant messenger?
Solution
Monitor network usage and user machines to verify whether or not instant messenger is in use. Messenger should not be allowed on the network as it causes unnecessary bandwidth overhead. Students may be using a messenger application to chat to others while in class or at lunch.There are versions of messenger that may be in use within schools. To stop the use of such sites, block them.
Problem
If instant messenger applications are located and in use
Solution
Delete all instances of the software on all machines. Try to identify which user or users installed the applications and take necessary action.Implement measures to ensure users cannot install these applications in future. Do this by using the Education Queensland school build (SOE).
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